Fourth of July at the Cabin: Fireworks, Fishing, and Family Chaos in Sarona, WI

There’s something extra special about spending the Fourth of July in northern Wisconsin. For us, it’s become tradition—packing up the car with the kids, the dog, and, this year, even our new beta fish, Indi (short for Indi the Explorer), and heading to the family cabin in Sarona.

It was everything a summer weekend should be: sunup-to-sundown lake life, boat rides, fishing off the dock, cannonballs into the water, and fireworks lighting up the sky. We barely came inside all weekend—and honestly, that’s how I know it was a good one.

Lake Life with Kids (and a Lab)

We brought all three kiddos, our black lab, and Indi the fish—yes, even the fish got a lake vacation! Boating and swimming filled our days, and we even squeezed in fishing on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Between the giggles, sunscreen, snack breaks, and lake water everywhere, it was the kind of chaos I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Sharing a room at the family cabin, though? Let’s just say it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. When you’ve got little ones, they’re up with the sun and nowhere near ready for bed until the sun finally disappears behind the trees. Bedtime was...a suggestion, not a rule. But hey, memories over sleep, right?

Our Favorite Nearby Stops

Perlick Distillery – Sarona, WI

A must-visit for a cocktail break after a long day on the lake. Their handcrafted spirits and cozy, rustic atmosphere make it a favorite of ours year-round. They feature seasonal menus, so there’s never a bad time to visit and try something new. We actually stop in often during the winter months, too—usually when we’re up ice fishing for the weekend. Whether it’s summer sunshine or snow-covered pines, Perlick is always worth the stop.

Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary - Sarona, WI

Nearby nature center with trails perfect for bird-watching and family hikes!

Summers on Long – Sarona, WI

A lakeside gem offering seasonal menus, signature cocktails, and stunning views of Long Lake. It’s perfect for a casual lunch, dinner, or even a weekend brunch.

The Hive on Long Lake - Sarona, WI

A charming little café and ice cream shop right on the water in Sarona. They serve fair-trade coffee, fresh paninis, baked goods, and premium Chocolate Shoppe ice cream. It’s one of our favorite stops for a sweet treat after a day on the lake or a peaceful morning coffee with a view!

A Little Further

While we love soaking up every minute at the cabin, we also enjoy exploring the many great small Wisconsin towns nearby. Places like Stone Lake, Hayward, and Spooner are all just a short drive away and make for the perfect mini-adventures when you're ready to take a break from the lake. Each one offers its own charm, great local spots, and family-friendly things to do.

Stone Lake

A charming little town with local shops, a great farmers market, and a small-town vibe that’s perfect for wandering with an iced coffee in hand.

Hayward

Packed with classic Northwoods fun—mini golf, go-karts, fishing museums, the candy store, and some seriously good ice cream. It’s the perfect half-day trip with kids in tow. Spend the day visiting the Wilderness Walk Zoo & Western Town, climbing inside the giant musky at the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, or cheering on the lumberjacks at Scheer’s Lumberjack Village & Show. Little ones will love storytime and scavenger hunts at the Sherman & Ruth Weiss Community Library, while older kids can burn off energy on the Birkie Trail or at the Hayward Amusement Center. Don’t forget to stroll Downtown Hayward, where Lake Kids Toy Store is a must-stop for toys, puzzles, and games!

Spooner

Known for its nostalgic train rides and fun annual events. There’s also a great park downtown and some cute local restaurants if you’re in the mood for a little exploring. We love to visit during the Spooner Rodeo every year in July and a stop at Alley Cats coffee is always a must. Find the train schedule here!

Fourth of July at the cabin is always a bit wild—with kids running barefoot, fireworks booming in the distance, and a complete lack of routine—it’s our kind of magic. I’m already dreaming of the next long weekend up north.

Whether you're planning your own family cabin trip or just love that small-town Wisconsin charm, I hope this gives you a little glimpse into how we celebrate summer. 💙